Things have gone from bad to worse for Arsenal in the span of a few hours. Not too long after losing 3-0 away to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, the Gunners have confirmed a serious injury to one key player that could keep him out for the rest of the season.
That man is none other than Kieran Tierney, the Scottish star who has established himself as one of the key members of Arteta's improving defense. The left-back, who had joined up with his national team during the recent international break, was absent from Monday's trip to Selhurst Park, with the manager revealing that this was due to a worrisome knee concern.
His absence was truly felt as Nuno Tavares struggled in his place, with the young Portuguese full-back playing a role in both goals the club conceded in the first half. The former Benfica man was eventually taken off at half-time and after the full-time whistle, the focus quickly shifted to Tierney and whether he would be back for the final stretch.
Unfortunately, Arsenal confirmed that his season is likely over. The north London giants announced in an official statement that the former Celtic ace will undergo surgery after seeing a specialist after damaging his left knee. According to Charles Watts of Goal, the club are hopeful their left-back will recover in time for the upcoming pre-season in July, meaning the odds of him playing again this term are close to zero.
"Kieran felt discomfort after a training session on Thursday, March 31. Further assessments and scans have confirmed that Kieran has damaged his left knee," the Gunners' official statement read.
Arsenal hopeful Tierney will be back in time to start pre-season training in the summer (July).
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) April 5, 2022
Partey being assessed ahead of Saturday, but is likely to miss out. Club hopeful Tomiyasu will be back available after the Southampton game.
"A specialist consultation took place on Tuesday, and as a result of further discussions with Kieran and our medical team, it has been decided that Kieran requires surgery to his knee. This procedure will take place in London in the forthcoming days.
"Kieran's rehabilitation programme will start immediately after his surgery, at which stage a clearer understanding will be established on his recovery timescale. However, it is likely that Kieran will now miss the remainder of this season.
"Everyone at the club will now be supporting and working hard with Kieran to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible."
And to make things worse, it doesn't stop there. Thomas Partey, who has been the club's standout player this year despite his poor display against Crystal Palace, picked up a thigh issue and could miss Saturday's clash with Brighton at the very least. Additionally. Tomiyasu, who has not played for the club since their Carabao Cup semifinal defeat to Liverpool in late January, isn't expected back until after the Southampton trip.
This makes things only trickier for Arsenal and their thin squad amid their fight to finish in the top four. Arteta's boys are currently level on points with Tottenham but behind their fourth-placed north London rivals due to an inferior goal difference. However, Saka and Co. boast a game in hand over Spurs and will thus need to regroup and bounce back from that atrocious performance on Monday.
